Steve Sarkisian declaration should send Maalik Murphy straight to transfer portal

Steve Sarkisian decided to name Quinn Ewers as his starting quarterback after the Texas spring game, a move that may tempt backup Maalik Murphy to transfer.

Quinn Ewers is the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns in 2023.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian made it official on Saturday after the Texas spring game. Not that it was a surprise. Ewers was the incumbent and would have had to completely drop the ball to lose his spot atop the depth chart.

Now Maalik Murphy, the backup quarterback, has a decision to make.

Maalik Murphy lit up the spring game but won’t start for Texas

In the spring game, Murphy was 9-of-13 for 165 yards and a touchdown. That 79-yard strike to Johntay Cook was a ridiculous display of arm strength.

Murphy’s performance made it clear that he’s capable of starting at the Power 5 level right now. He’s just not going to get the chance because he’s stuck behind Ewers.

And realistically, there’s a strong possibility he won’t get he chance next year if Ewers leaves for the NFL because Arch Manning is waiting in the wings.

Murphy is a redshirt freshman, so he doesn’t have to be in a rush. He can wait his turn, ready to take advantage if Ewers gets injured during the 2023 season. He can try his luck against Manning in a future quarterback competition with eligibility to work with.

Still, he’s got to be considering the option of striking while the iron is hot and putting his name in the transfer portal with a chance to take over a starting role immediately.

He’s got a big enough arm for plenty of schools out there to take a look at him. He may not end up with a brand as big as Texas, but he’d be playing at least.

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